Short Description:

The Hubbell Lite Model 3003-C is made by Hubbell Lighting Inc. The 3003-C is billed as an industrial grade flashlight with various certifications for working in hazardous environments.

The body of the 3003-C is made of fluorescent yellow nylon and strongly resembles the Koehler-Bright Star 3-C Responder and the Pelican Super Saberlight. In fact, as near as I can tell, the bodies are identical. The sides of the body and bezel are ribbed and have a slight texture. On one side of the body near the head are 3 little metal dots. This matches the configuration of the charging points used on the Koehler-Bright Star rechargables. On the tail end of the light is the rubber covered switch, a spring loaded clip, a lanyard hole with lanyard, a belt ring (split ring), and a one-way pressure release valve (in the event of pressure buildup inside the body of the light.) Inside the light there are hydrogen catalyst pellets to absorb any stray hydrogen that may be released by the batteries inside the sealed light. The light is submersible to 100 feet due to the seals and the O-ring on the bezel.

The bulb is a standard PR base Xenon bulb. The reflector is very slightly textured, presumably to help smooth out the beam. The beam produced is a pre-focused tight spot with a "doughnut" shaped central spot and wide spillbeam.

The switch is on the tail of the light and turns the light on after you press it in and release it. Pressing in again causes the light to go off. There is both an audible and tactile "click" when operating the switch.

The model 3003-C takes 3 C cells. Alkaline only. No other types are recommended.

The unit comes with a lanyard and a split ring for attaching the light to a clip on a belt.

Reviewer's Impressions:

The Hubbell Lite Model 3003-C is a good, sturdy, reliable, industrial grade light. Constructed out of nylon, this device should be able to withstand some serious abuse. Light output is very good, and beam quality is respectable, although it would need a little work to achieve "perfection".

Fit and finish of the 3003-C is very nice. All parts fit together well and very tightly. A solid and serious light

Likewise overall quality is very good. The clip uses a heavy duty spring that will probably never wear out. The switch seems very robust, the body is practically indestructible, the lens is nicely recessed for protection and the lanyard is sturdy nylon cord. The switch is protected by a raised ring to help prevent accidental activation.

Output is very bright, with the beam focused into a narrow angle. The reflector has a slight texture which improves the beam quality a little bit, but the central spot is a "doughnut" of light with a dark hole in the very center. Although acceptable, some people may find this annoying. Beam quality is much better, however, than your average 2-D $0.99 flashlight. The spillbeam is very large and dimly illuminates a large area in front of the user.

The entire light is sealed for water resistance and there is a well lubricated O-ring below the threads of the bezel. The light is advertised as being submersible to 100 feet. A dunk test revealed no leaks.

Important things to note: This light has the following hazardous environment ratings:

UL: Class I, Division 1, Group D, Operating Temp Code T3A
CSA: Class I, Division 2, Group A, B, C, D, Class II, Group G, Op. Temp T3
MSHA: Approved for use as Mining Equipment

Improvements: The only thing I see that really needs improvement would be to increase the texture of the reflector to smooth out that central spot a little. Otherwise, a serious light for serious work.

+ + + Pluses: Waterproof, Tough/impact resistant, Good battery life, Bright, Easy battery change, Hazardous environment ratings

- - - Minuses: Beam quality needs a little improvement